Over a two-day period, numerous programs were hosted such as the opening ceremony, beach trip, family socializing program, individual/couple counseling, parents self-help meeting and children’s experience program.

Leaving the handicapped children in one-on-one care with the volunteers, we tried to make the parents feel at ease during the two-day period. Through self-help meetings for both the fathers and the mothers, as well as education classes, the fathers and mothers could meet up separately and share their difficulties and burdens in ways they had never been able to express freely before, thus gaining strength through that. They could also take the time to discuss the children’s education as well as realistic measures to prepare for the future.

Furthermore, the families could become more united, getting to know each other‘s hearts better through family socializing programs and children’s experience programs. Not only the handicapped children, but their brothers and sisters could also play and spend an enjoyable time together.

* Reflection

A Mother from one of the Participating Families (Chung Nam)

This is something that I wished for very much.

I came because I wanted the children to feel comfort and hope by meeting people similar to them, leaving aside the feelings of conflict and despair they usually feel within a cruel environment. I also wanted my husband to be able to share with other fathers the feelings that have been piling up, and through that gain some strength. It was great that we could have the opportunity to share information, burdens, worries and feelings among people who were going through the same situation. Thank you to the volunteering students and staff and thank you to the Tongil Group for supporting this. I will return home and work even harder to reap good results.